Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Researched by Aarohi Narain
The cherry blossom festivals along the Meguro River are back — including the famous (and now 40th!) Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival (and others nearby).
The trendy Nakameguro Canal is one of the most visited cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. But there are a LOT of trees along the Meguro River, meaning you can find a quieter spot — if you know where to look. You could also take a cherry blossom cruise.
What happens?
In 2026, there will be food stalls and performances, as well as the famous cherry trees being illuminated from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station to Meguro Station in the evening. They will look best at sunset, with strings of lanterns inscribed with the names of local residents and businesses.
Note that the dates of this festival are sometimes changed slightly to match the blossoms.
Schedule 2026
There will be several different festivals and events along the Meguro River, taking place on different dates:
- Meguro River Cherry Blossom Illumination (From when blossoms bloom to Mar. 31): The cherry trees will be lit up from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Meguro River Lantern Light Up: Pink lanterns will be hung and will be illuminated from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along the river between Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station and Meguro Station.
- Nakame Ohanami Park (Mar. 27 to Apr. 5): The majority of the food trucks will be near Meguro River Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 40th Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival(Mar. 28 to 29): Performances will take place at Confluence Playground near Nakameguro Station.
- Meguro River East Area Cherry Blossom Festival (Mar. 28 to 29): Performances and stalls at Dendō Square Park and Fureai Bridge near Meguro Station from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more info on events, locations, and how to Meguro hanami the right way, check out the 2026 Sakura Map published by Meguro Tourism.
Where are the Meguro River cherry blossoms?
When most people think of the Meguro River, they think of Nakameguro. And to be sure, that part of the river is always the most crowded.
But the whole sakura-lined route is actually about 5km long, stretching from Gotanda to Meguro Sky Garden, almost as far as Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station. You can typically walk it in an hour (crowds notwithstanding).
If you just want the highlights, start at Meguro Station and walk to Nakameguro.
How to get to the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
The closest station to the river depends on what you want to see.
Three main train stations connect you with the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River: Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station, Nakameguro Station, and Meguro Station. The closest and busiest will be Nakameguro Station, which can be accessed by the Tōkyū-Tōyoko and Hibiya lines (3 minutes from Shibuya Station).
The next is Meguro Station, which is on the Yamanote Line, Meguro Line, Namboku Line, and Mita Line (5 minutes from Shibuya). Ikejiri-Ōhashi is the smallest and is only on the Den-en-toshi Line (2 minutes from Shibuya).
You can get off at Meguro Station and walk up to the Nakameguro area and towards Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station. Or do the opposite, and walk from Ikejiri-Ōhashi to Meguro.
If you want to go for the illuminations, then your best bet is starting from either Naka-Meguro Station or Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station (note that the path is one way between Chitosebashi Bridge and Hinodebashi Bridge).
What is there to eat and drink at the festival?
The city discourages drinking and eating on the streets, and, like elsewhere, littering is prohibited. Luckily, there will be plenty of food trucks at Meguro River Park, so head there if you get peckish.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal or some drink to break up your walk, Nakameguro is renowned for its hip bars and foodie hangouts. Word of caution though, you’ll want to book ahead — if that’s even an option!
Meguro River boat cruises
For a different angle on the river’s many cherry blossoms, you can take a boat cruise during cherry-blossom season. There are a couple of different ways to book. The easiest is probably via Klook.
Alternatively, you can book via the Zeal Cruising platform. Advance reservations cost ¥5,000 for adults and ¥4,000 for children aged four to elementary school age.
Want to get out of the city and really stretch your legs? Check out these hanami hikes near Tokyo.
When does cherry blossom season start in Tokyo?
Check out our Tokyo Cherry Blossom forecast.
For tips on finding all the blossoms, also see our Best Cherry Blossoms Spots in Tokyo Mega Guide, and for late-night views, check out our guide to yozakura events.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
